PHUKET, THAILAND – Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers on Phuket reported a steep drop in income and warned that the island’s traditional transport system could collapse without swift government intervention.
Income slumps as workdays grow longer
Drivers said their daily earnings had fallen sharply even though they worked from early morning until late at night. Despite these extended shifts, the money often barely covered basic living expenses.
On some days, they reportedly found few or no passengers at all. This added to the insecurity for families whose livelihoods depended on tuk-tuk and taxi services.
Tourist habits and modern services reshape the market
According to the drivers, a change in tourist behaviour directly affected demand for traditional rides. At the same time, competition from modern transport options continued to grow.
Many operators saw a shift away from the established system toward newer, more digital or differently organised mobility services. In this context they spoke of
“unfair competition”
said drivers, local operators, and called for clear rules.
Rising expenses push many into debt
One driver described how ongoing expenses kept increasing even when cutting back on private spending. Fuel, maintenance and repairs, as well as higher general living costs, were cited in particular as burdens.
The combination of falling income and rising costs had pushed many into debt. Some were considering leaving the profession altogether, according to the report.
Calls for rules, reforms and financial support
The driver community urged the responsible authorities to step in with concrete measures. They called for tighter inspections and stronger regulation of practices they perceived as unfair.
They also demanded a restructuring of the transport system and financial assistance to secure the future of this traditional line of work. From their perspective, it was about preserving a long-standing local source of income.
Risks for tourism and the island’s identity
Observers warned that a prolonged crisis could affect more than just the drivers and might have consequences for tourism on Phuket. If the traditional services disappeared, this could limit visitor mobility and reduce the diversity of transport options.
Tuk-tuks were seen not only as a practical means of transport, but also as a cultural symbol that had shaped the island’s identity for decades. A decline or disappearance would therefore also alter part of Phuket’s local appearance and character.